Independence Center

02/02/2026

01/23/2026

❄️❄️❄️ everyone be safe!

BEFORE THE STORM (24–48 HOURS AHEAD)
❄️1. Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.
❄️2. Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power.
❄️3. Get cash in small bills in case card systems go down.
❄️4. Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.
❄️5. Download movies, books, and maps for offline use.
❄️6. Identify one warm room in the house to “camp out” if power fails.
❄️7. Locate water shut-off valve and breaker box now, not later.
❄️8. Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer.

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WATER AND PIPE PROTECTION
❄️9. Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps drop below freezing.
❄️10. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
❄️11. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
❄️12. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels.
❄️13. Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts.
❄️14. Fill jugs, buckets, or bathtub with water for flushing and washing.

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FOOD AND KITCHEN PREP
❄️15. Keep 3–5 days of no-cook food: peanut butter, tuna, bread, crackers, canned meat, fruit cups.
❄️16. Have manual can opener available.
❄️17. Buy shelf-stable milk or powdered milk if needed.
❄️18. Freeze a few water bottles to act as freezer “ice packs.”
❄️19. Keep a cooler ready to move fridge food outside if power is out and temps are below freezing.
❄️20. Avoid stocking large amounts of perishables right before the storm.

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HEAT AND HOME SAFETY
❄️21. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers.
❄️22. If using a fireplace, confirm chimney is clear and have dry wood.
❄️23. Never run generators or grills inside garages or homes.
❄️24. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
❄️25. Have at least one flashlight per person plus spare batteries.
❄️26. Use battery lanterns instead of candles when possible.

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VEHICLE AND TRAVEL
❄️27. Plan to avoid driving once freezing rain begins.
❄️28. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first.
❄️29. Keep in the car: blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, gloves.
❄️30. Replace old wiper blades and top off washer fluid.
❄️31. Park away from large tree limbs when possible.
❄️32. Assume flights and travel may be disrupted for days.

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POWER OUTAGE PLAN
❄️33. Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage.
❄️34. Keep one battery radio or weather app for updates.
❄️35. Use surge protectors for TVs and computers.
❄️36. Know where warming centers may be in your parish.
❄️37. Have extension cords ready if using a generator outside.
❄️38. Keep refrigerator closed to preserve cold air.

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PETS AND LIVESTOCK
❄️39. Bring pets indoors with extra food and water.
❄️40. Provide outdoor animals with unfrozen water sources.
❄️41. Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters.
❄️42. Keep leashes and carriers accessible in case of evacuation.

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MEDICAL AND SPECIAL NEEDS
❄️43. Keep a written list of medications and dosages.
❄️44. Store a small first-aid kit with thermometer and basic meds.
❄️45. Have backup batteries for medical devices.
❄️46. Identify a place with power you could relocate to if needed.

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PROPERTY PROTECTION
❄️47. Move vehicles away from trees or power lines.
❄️48. Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items.
❄️49. Avoid trimming trees during the storm—do it beforehand.
❄️50. Photograph property for insurance before conditions worsen.

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DURING THE STORM
❄️51. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
❄️52. Assume downed lines are live and dangerous.
❄️53. Use only safe indoor heating methods.
❄️54. Check on neighbors, especially elderly, by phone if possible.
❄️55. Report outages to utility companies rather than 911 unless it’s an emergency.

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AFTER THE STORM
❄️56. Walk carefully—ice may refreeze overnight.
❄️57. Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise.
❄️58. Throw out refrigerated food if above 40°F for more than 4 hours.
❄️59. Avoid DIY electrical repairs around downed lines.
❄️60. Be patient—restoring power after ice can take several days.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

12/09/2025

Here is the info for new post:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-independence-center-this-holiday-season

As the year comes to a close, the members, staff, and Board of Directors of Independence Center send you our warmest wishes for a joyful, peaceful, and healthy holiday season.

We are deeply grateful for your generosity and support throughout the year. Yet the need continues to grow. More people than ever are turning to Independence Center for help — and your gift today ensures we can be there for them. Every donation directly supports
vital programs that help our members build life skills, find jobs, connect socially, and live with dignity and independence.

This holiday season, please consider making a year-end gift to the Independence Center. Together, we can turn despair into hope and give hundreds of people the chance to live the fulfilling lives they deserve.

Thank you for standing with us and believing in recovery. Your kindness truly changes lives.

With gratitude and sending warm holiday wishes to you and your family.

12/03/2025

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-independence-center-this-giving-tuesday

Support Independence Center this Giving Tuesday as we strive to bring hope and independence to those facing mental health challenges. Your contribution aids our mission to expand behavioral health services and raise awareness in the community.

A donation to the Independence Center helps uplift individuals through programs such as the Living Room Wellness Center, a 24/7 crisis service available to anyone in the community experiencing a mental health crisis; mental health services like therapy and case management; housing to prevent homelessness; and employment support. Join us in empowering lives with tangible support and resources.

Be part of this journey towards recovery. Your support truly matters and we need your help. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
With gratitude,
Independence Center

Support Independence Center this Giving Tuesday as we strive to bring hope and independence to those facing mental health challenges. Your contribution aids our mission to expand behavioral health services and raise awareness in the community.A donation to the Independence Center helps uplift indivi...

10/24/2025

10/24/2025

Thank you for coming to the art of mental wellness! We appreciate you all!

09/15/2025

Purchase your tickets for our 2025 Art of Mental Wellness Exhibition!
$35 each
Save! Buy 4 tickets for $100
Can’t make it? Please consider making a donation if you can. Your generosity helps make this fundraiser a success, and we’re truly grateful for your support.
Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit us on our website: www.icwaukegan.org
We look forward to seeing you!